Comments on: Cycling gear from the hardware store

By: AlanG24

AlanG24 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:47:27 +0000

Mudflap for your fenders:
I live in Portland, OR and commute year round through rain. While many here cut a coke bottle or milk jug in half to create a mud flap for their fenders, by FAR the best I’ve ever seen or used is a mudflap made from vinyl stair tread.

I modeled mine after some classic Brooks mudguards (http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/31/bmf1a0720/brooks-leather-mudflap.html)

Right clicked on the photo, enlarged it, made a pattern and traced it onto the vinyl stair tread.

I removed the wimpy flap from my Planet Bike fenders, punched holes in the newly cut flaps and used black zip ties reinforced with black vinyl washers to attach the flap to the inside of the fender.

Overtime, I’ve modified the design to add width and length (almost touch the ground): has made a HUGE difference in keeping my feet drier and drive train cleaner.

Vinyl stair tread is pliable and easily allows your bike to be loaded onto the city bus bike rack. You can also easily attach reflective tape or buttons.

Other resources for making flaps:
Mudflap How-to
http://phred.org/~alex/bikes/fendermudflap.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gzahnd/sets/72157600115186491/

Check out t

By: Zachary

Zachary — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:01:54 +0000

Can you buy a treaded pole and make that into a axel

Sorry if i spelled anything wrong im not perfect

By: kazam

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By: bluegray25

bluegray25 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:29:13 +0000

We should also put attention on our cycling clothing. Use only high quality, trendy yet affordable cycling clothing for your biking activity.

By: BiggerDummy

BiggerDummy — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:29:13 +0000

I found a curved white LED light set that clips onto the visor of my helmet. It is a “be seen” level light but works well when changing flats or locking up in the dark

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:03:17 +0000

Some hardware stores carry BBQ lights that can attach to a bike easily, and they’re pretty bright.

I’ve heard of people buying Cree LED flashlights at hardware stores and using them on the bike, but I haven’t done this yet.

By: Alan

Alan — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:56:57 +0000

I found those blinky tail lights for $4 in the emergency preparedness section of a regional hardware store. They are identical to the Planet Bike and Night Rider lights I’d purchased previously.

Also, I shop ski wear for winter/wet weather wear. Great for socks, baclavas, long underwear, etc.

Last, for warm weather I shop for running gear at the end of Fall. I just found some great long-sleeve shirts which will be great in the spring. They don’t have pockets in the back, but do have a drop tail.
Alan

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:33:21 +0000

I second the hose clamps! Used them to attach my front fender onto the suspension fork. A few curse words later, it works perfectly. I also use them for the bits and pieces needed to the various pieces together and attached to the bike. I just bought a pair of rain pants at Wally-World for like $20 that are light colored and breathable. Haven’t had to test them out yet, but I look forward to it.

By: Joseph Vota

Joseph Vota — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:02:12 +0000

I have used both of these gloves in cold weather commuting and on bike rides. The “summits” seem to work better for light touring and club rides because they are much more breathable and my hands tend to sweat in the “cold conditions.” These things are pretty warm:

https://www.ironclad.com/www/productDetail.jsp?prodID=40&catID=44

https://www.ironclad.com/www/productDetail.jsp?prodID=60&catID=44

I have also used these velcro straps as trouser straps (not the exact ones, but very similar). In the warmer weather, I will just roll my pant leg up on my commute but it is not very comfortable during the winter. It beats dropping $30 on a Brooks trouser strap:

http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/StaplesProductDisplay?&storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&partNumber=906489&cm_mmc=GoogleBase-_-Shopping-_-Office_Supplies_%253E_Rubber_Bands_and_Fasteners_-_-906489-90346&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=906489

Also, if you don’t have a chunk of beeswax, go to your local hardware store and get one. There so so many uses for it, it’s unbelievable. It is by far the best thing I have found to lube metal zippers, coat threads, lube brake cables, etc.

By: Ciego

Ciego — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:19:34 +0000

Instead of buying name brand cables to lock a bike, look at the ones that Home Depot carries. I’m a little surprised no one has mentioned screws for clip-on shoes.